First was she named Most Valuable Player at the inaugural ANZ Championships – a title she shared with Jamaican shooter and Queensland Firebird Romelda Aiken.

Now she has been selected to captain the England touring squad during their gruelling test series in Australia and New Zealand.

Mkoloma, who has represented her country in three world championships, will share the responsibility with Mavericks player Karen Atkinson.

Her Superleague coach, Brunel Hurricanes’ Natalie Swift, congratulated the defender, and added: “ It’s great news and testament to Sonia’s ongoing professionalism.”

England have already pushed reigning world champions Australia hard in their opening test match, but suffered a narrow 42-39 defeat in Newcastle last weekend.

But the squad, led by head coach Sue Hawkins, have one more chance to beat the world ranked number ones today before they move on to New Zealand.

Express.co.uk/netball  be bringing you the results and a full match report.